Rep. Mollie Burke

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Community Resilience and Disaster Mitigation Grant Program and Fund to help Vermont municipalities prepare for and reduce the impact of natural disasters. The program would provide grants to cities, towns, and other local governments for projects like slope stabilization, watershed restoration, and drought mitigation, with priority given to communities facing higher vulnerability. Funding comes from a $15 million appropriation in fiscal year 2024 and an annual assessment on insurance companies writing policies in Vermont, capped at $4.3 million. The Department of Public Safety would administer both the grant program and the fund, which must keep records and submit annual reports on how money is spent.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally honors Richard DeGray for his volunteer work beautifying downtown Brattleboro with flowers. The resolution recognizes DeGray's decade-long effort to maintain over 200 flowerpots and plants, which he waters daily before dawn during warmer months. It also acknowledges Ahmed Rashed of Rashed's Garden Center as a primary supplier for the project's gardening materials. The General Assembly directs the Secretary of State to send copies of this resolution to both DeGray and Rashed as a gesture of appreciation.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Vermont Agency of Transportation to redesign or remove Bridge 9 in Barre City to improve flood resilience after the bridge contributed to property damage during July 2023 flooding. The legislation adds the project to the Town Highway Bridges Program, requiring completion by June 30, 2028, and mandates either increasing the bridge's water clearance or replacing its abutments to allow better water flow. The act takes effect on July 1, 2024, and applies specifically to the bridge over Stevens Branch at Berlin Street in Barre City.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Community Media Public Benefit Fund to provide stable funding for Vermont's 24 access management organizations that operate public, educational, and government access channels. The fund would be financed through a $15 annual fee charged to communications service providers for each utility pole they attach equipment to, replacing or supplementing previous funding that came from cable television surcharges. Money collected would be distributed through the Secretary of State to the Vermont Access Network, which would then allocate grants to individual access management organizations based on approved plans. The legislation applies to various types of communications providers including cable companies, internet service providers, and wireless carriers, while exempting publicly owned facilities from the charge.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Vermont state departments to create and maintain public education materials about dementia risks and early detection for patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare providers. It requires the Departments of Health, Disabilities Aging, and Independent Living, along with the Department of Mental Health, to include dementia awareness in existing public health outreach programs. The legislation mandates education for healthcare providers on early detection methods and screening benefits, while also increasing public understanding of early warning signs and the importance of timely diagnosis. The bill specifically targets populations at higher risk for dementia and emphasizes cultural relevance and health literacy in its messaging.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally approves amendments to the Town of Brattleboro's charter that were previously approved by voters in March 2019. The changes establish new election rules that allow 16- to 18-year-olds, known as youth voters, to participate in local elections alongside regular voters. Key provisions include creating a Representative Town Meeting with up to 140 members elected by district, establishing a five-person Selectboard, and implementing early voting options for youth voters. The bill also defines the roles and terms of various elected positions, including school directors and Town Meeting members, while clarifying that youth voters have the same rights and responsibilities as adult voters once elected to office.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes May 2023 as Jewish American Heritage Month in Vermont. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Jewish communities in the state. The measure acknowledges the historical contributions of Jewish Americans to Vermont and the nation, noting their early settlement and ongoing cultural significance. It does not change laws or policies but serves as a symbolic recognition of Jewish heritage and history.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes May as Mental Health Awareness Month in Vermont to raise public awareness about mental health challenges. It does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of the state's mental health needs and statistics. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to relevant mental health organizations and officials. While it highlights concerning data about suicide rates and access to care, the bill itself is a commemorative measure rather than a policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a formal resolution honoring 21 Vermont youth athletes who competed in snowboarding and skiing events at the 2023 USASA National Championships in Colorado. The resolution recognizes these athletes for representing Vermont with distinction and winning medals in various disciplines during the competition. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to each honored athlete as an official acknowledgment of their achievements. The bill does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial recognition of the athletes' accomplishments.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents the suspension of driver's licenses for unpaid traffic fines that were committed before the law takes effect. It applies to all drivers who owe penalties for traffic violations that occurred prior to the implementation date. The law requires the Motor Vehicles Commissioner to stop suspending licenses solely due to nonpayment of these pre-existing civil penalties. The changes become active 30 days after the bill is passed into law.